UAE enhances care for differently-abled

It is a very morale-boosting gesture for the differently-abled. By focusing on the rights of the people of determination, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has highlighted their issues which are normally given the go-by in some other nations.

To make the feel inclusive is truly enlivening for this sector of society which has been struggling to be part of mainstream society.

Sheikh Mohammed issued Law No. (3) of 2022 on the rights of People of Determination (people with disabilities) in the Emirate of Dubai.

He also issued Executive Council Resolution No. (1) of 2022 pertaining to the Executive Regulation of the Law on the Rights of People of Determination in the Emirate of Dubai, which seeks to ensure the inclusion and integration of People of Determination into society and enable them to fully participate in all spheres of life.

The Law also seeks to include People of Determination in the process of drafting policies and legislations that concern them or may affect their quality of life. The Law is aligned with the efforts of Dubai Government to develop a comprehensive legal framework that protects the rights of People of Determination and ensures their integration into the broader community.

The law makes certain services to them mandatory which relevant entities should provide them. These include inclusive education at every stage, rehabilitation, inclusive job opportunities in all sectors, and healthcare, therapeutic and social services, in addition to access to all services such as worship, police and legal services. Relevant entities should also offer People of Determination the ability to access data and information through various platforms and inform them about their legal rights. The law also seeks to ensure People of Determination can access banking services and participate in various sports and entertainment programmes, among others.  The Law also creates a permanent committee named the ‘Higher Committee to Protect the Rights of People of Determination’. The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue a decision on the formation of the committee, which will include representatives of relevant entities and those of People of Determination.  

Furthermore, the Law describes the actions that violate the rights of the differently-abled. It lays down a system whereby the differently-abled and their guardians will report any violations of their rights.

The Community Development Authority in Dubai is tasked with issuing identification cards for People of Determination registered in Dubai. The identification cards will help People of Determination access facilities and services allocated to them. Any breach will not be tolerated. Fines will be doubled in case an offence is repeated within a year of the first offence, up to a maximum of Dhs100,000.

The Dubai Statistics Centre is tasked with creating a database of People of Determination in Dubai, which will be used as a reference by decision makers for strategic planning and government policy development on matters concerning People of Determination.

It is the treatment of the differently-abled in some countries that is worrying. In Japan, people with disabilities, especially cognitive impairments, can still suffer from stigma and – unlike in many advanced Western countries – their families share the shame.

Thousands of people with a host of disabilities are locked away in Zimbabwe, both in homes and institutions, due to widespread fears they bring bad luck or practise witchcraft, says one report. Congo is home to millions of people with disabilities. Many of them reportedly face human rights abuses and discrimination, often limiting their access to education and employment.

In this respect, the UAE is miles ahead.

The nation has nearly 20 developmental achievements that support and empower people of determination. The UAE’s leadership and government have protected and empowered people of determination, including from the coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic.